VIDEO REPORT: A New Engine Choice Coming with the Next-Generation Nissan Titan

IRVINE, Calif. - Nissan announced it will offer a newly-developed Cummins V8 turbo diesel in its next-generation full-size pickup. The news came during Nissan 360, an industry showcase of Nissan's global product and technology portfolio.

"The fact that we've been working on this together for a period of time, we've had the time to really do it right," said Ric Kleine, Vice President of Cummins, Inc.

The 5.0-liter V8 turbo diesel engine emerged from a partnership between Nissan and Cummins. It's now in the latter stages of development and testing. Cummins also is developing a version of the engine for its commercial vehicle customers.

"Mainly, we've had a great collaboration between our engineering teams, and for us, it's just been a great opportunity to work together," said Kleine.

Look for the next-generation Titan to add power train options, different cab configurations and several truck bed sizes.

"We have a truck that is definitely going to give the competition a run for their money, and I think we are going to shock a few people when they find out that we're literally putting a Cummins engine in our Nissan Titans truck. It's great news. Its big news," said Fred Diaz, Vice President, Nissan Sales & Marketing, Service & Parts.

"We're going to be the only ones to have a V8 diesel in a 1500 truck which is a pretty neat space to play in because you're actually going to be more powerful and bigger and have more capability than a 1500 but not quite at the level of a 2500," said Diaz.

The Cummins engine will be built at the Columbus Engine Plant in Columbus, Indiana. Like the current model, the next-generation Titan will be built at Nissan's Canton, Mississippi vehicle assembly plant, and its gasoline engines will be cast, forged and assembled at Nissan's Decherd, Tennessee power train plant.

"So there's a seamless transition from our facility to the actual assembly of the vehicle," said Kleine.

For competitive reasons, Nissan is not yet announcing launch dates for the truck. But engineering prototype trucks powered by the Cummins engine are already undergoing extensive public-highway performance and durability testing.

"Hopefully the Titan will no longer be the best kept secret, especially now that we have the Cummins power plan and the unique new design. I think we are going to make sure everyone in the world knows about the new Nissan Titan," said Diaz.